A Try from a driving maul was fitting reward for the Vandals forwards who dominated much of the game both in the scrums and at the breakdown. With rain falling for the majority of the 80 minutes, handling the wet ball was something of a lottery, but both sides attempted to play an open game with captain Harry Reed leading the way, and Portsmouth following suit with some exhilarating passages of play.
Not surprising in the conditions there were errors galore and multiple infringements both in the set pieces and at the breakdown, but nevertheless it made for compelling watching for the large number of spectators from both clubs.
An Early scrum saw Vandals trundling forward, something they repeated constantly bringing them a number of penalties, one of which Harry Weatherall converted to open the scoring, and the score line remained the same throughout the first half despite both sides having opportunities to cross the try line.
The wind now favoured the visitors, but although gaining initial territorial advantage they were unable to breach Vandals defence. Losing their cool, Portsmouth continued to concede penalties and Vandals punished them with huge touch finders, and then got all the important try from a superbly well controlled driving maul which had forwards coach David Hoade purring with pleasure. Weatherall added the extras to give Vandals at 10-point cushion. Portsmouth, now requiring at least two scores, came back strongly but there was an air of desperation in their play, and they continued to concede penalties.
Having been beaten by Portsmouth on more than one occasion in previous years, this was a hugely successful and satisfying vandal victory, coming as it did after the previous week's narrow loss to Georgians. The pack were outstanding with props Craig DeCouteau and try scorer Josh Thomas stamping their authority on their opposite numbers. Next up for Vandals in two weeks’ time is an away trip to Basingstoke, and while they're keeping their feet firmly on the ground, they will hope to repeat the winning medicine.
Vandals winning performance had been preceded on Friday evening by the club's veterans’ side, ‘the Owls’, winning in emphatic style by 55 points to 10 against their old rivals Easter Expendables under the Vandals Floodlights. The team played with plenty of vigour and elan, scoring some great tries, and Club president Kevin Keaney once again belied his age and put in a sterling effort, whilst past favourite James Palmer showed his twinkling footwork with his first touch of the ball to score. Returning visitor Darren Livett, once a Vandal first team player showed he still had the skill set, and the whole side gelled together, playing some sparkling rugby for a much-celebrated victory over their old rival.
Finally, Vandals Second XV put up a battling display before going down to 17 points to 10 to Merlin RFC. The latter were formally known as Kew Occasionals, that had a group of players of first-class Rugby calibre from such clubs as Richmond and Rosslyn park. This experience told in the end but Vandals came be proud of their efforts.
On Sunday, Vandals held the first of their season’s mini festivals with Old Cranleighans, Camberley, Kingston and Reigate being the other participating clubs. 62 games of short duration were played with full contact for the u 10s and u11 age groups, with tag and touch rugby for the younger age groups. There was a Rugby assault course which was a popular addition to the day's programme. The day proved to be a major success with over 300 children taking part.

This coming Sunday Elmbridge are organising a charity run to raise awareness of mental health issues, and among the many people running will be a team from Vandals RFC led by evergreen president Kevin Keaney, who will be running for the Grace Dear trust.